Residents' Annual Report 2010/11 - Swan Housing Association

Type of TenancySheltered AccommodationAt our two sheltered housing schemes in GreatDunmow and our extra care scheme in Rayleigh wewant our residents to feel safe, be independent andhave the opportunity to get involved in socialactivities.What are we doing?Following the review of our Older Persons’ Serviceresidents emphasised the importance of maintainingtheir health and general wellbeing and their fears ofbecoming socially isolated. It was clear ourresidents wanted more activities. We securedexternal funding to set up a communal IT suite forresidents at Boyescroft and Oakroyd House in GreatDunmow. For many of our residents this was thefirst time they had ever used a computer and theycan now email and use Skype. This has enabledsome residents to keep in touch with their friendsand families who are unable to visit them regularly.This has been a very successful project and anawards ceremony was held to celebrate its success.How did we do?Performance April 2010 to March 2011We have:• Completed the Telecare upgrade at DobsonsHouse, our extra care scheme in Rayleigh, Essex.• Introduced more activities to all schemesincluding chair aerobics and visiting services suchas an optician, chiropodist and hairdresser.• Secured funding to deliver a digital inclusionproject.Resident at Dobsons House, Rayleigh“I thoroughly enjoyed theaerobics and even my husbandTed came along.”Ted and Norma SterryImproving our services in 2011/2012We will:• Start work to upgrade our Telecare systems at thesheltered housing schemes in Great Dunmow,Essex.• Evaluate our present Telecare model to seewhether we can expand our current service tolocal communities.• Increase resident participation and develop morecommunity and intergenerational activities.What have you told us?“I found the aerobics to be excellent as they helped me, particularly withstrengthening under my arms. I also enjoyed the computer training for whichI received a certificate.”Dianne Briggswww.swan.org.uk Residents’ Annual Report 32